Bootcamp serves up hospo workers
A BOOTCAMP training people to work in the hospitality industry is expected to help fill major jobs shortages across the Geelong region this summer.
The Gordon Institute is running “short, sharp” specialist training, which is aimed at helping local employers stock up on skilled workers.
The two-day course is aimed at senior secondary students and those looking to work in the industry, and will be led by seasoned industry trainers.
Lyndsay Sharp, co-owner and director of the Sharp Group, said the course was a great initiative.
“It will help springboard newcomers to the hospitality industry, who hopefully will be able to hit the ground running,” Ms Sharp said.
“It will provide fantastic support for the hospitality industry, with essential knowledge given in some of the basics. It will give students the skills and confidence to jump in.”
Ms Sharp said the group hoped to recruit between 40 and 50 staff for summer.
She said they would “absolutely” be willing to take on graduates of the bootcamp.
“We’re always happy to take on Gordon graduates,” Ms Sharp said.
“It’s a phenomenal training ground for our industry.”
Winters Cafe owner Amy Cafarella said people with training were “always your most valuable employees”.
She said the bootcamp would give people skills and knowledge that were vital in the hospitality industry.
“After attending the bootcamp, people will have a very strong skillset to start working in a cafe like Winters,” Ms Cafarella said.
“The initial training will have already been done and people can put their skills straight into working. Learning these skills before starting work will help our business find the right employees for the work required, that are passionate and enthusiastic about working in the hospitality industry.”
Ms Cafarella said integration was “a lot smoother” when people had training.
Gordon hospitality teacher Amanda Costanzo said the course would make people more employable.
Participants will learn food-service skills, including customer service, taking orders and eftpos machine use, as well as preparing coffee orders. They will also complete their Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training.
“These are the skills our local cafes, restaurants and hotels are seeking,” Ms Costanzo said.
“We want to make sure we can get everyone trained to standard and excited about working in hospitality.
“This short, sharp program is designed to deliver.”
Ms Sharp said it was helpful for people to come into hospitality jobs already trained because it got them on the “front foot”.
“It (also) might remove some of the anxiety that could go along with entering a new industry,” she said.